Print

Cozy Brown Sugar Bourbon Glazed Turkey Breast

brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast - featured image
Print Recipe

This easy and best holiday recipe delivers a tender, juicy turkey breast with a sticky, caramelized brown sugar bourbon glaze. Perfect for small gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner, it comes together in about an hour and a half with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (2-3 lb / 900g-1.4 kg) boneless, skin-on turkey breast
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon (2 g) kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) onion powder
  • 1/2 cup (100 g) packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) bourbon
  • 3 tablespoons (42 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon (1 g) ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon (0.5 g) smoked paprika
  • 2 sprigs fresh rosemary (optional)
  • 3 sprigs fresh thyme (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, smashed (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take the turkey breast out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat it completely dry with paper towels. Season all over with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, bourbon, butter, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and smoked paprika. Place over medium heat and whisk until butter melts and sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When shimmering, place turkey breast skin-side down. Sear undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown. Flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Turn off heat under the skillet. Brush the top and sides of the turkey with about half of the glaze. If using, scatter fresh herbs and garlic around the turkey. Place skillet in the oven and roast for 25 minutes.
  5. After 25 minutes, carefully remove skillet from oven. Brush turkey with another layer of glaze. Return to oven and continue roasting for 20-30 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160°F (71°C).
  6. Remove skillet from oven. Transfer turkey to a cutting board. Brush with remaining glaze. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 10-15 minutes.
  7. Slice turkey against the grain into 1/2-inch (1.25 cm) thick slices. Drizzle any juices from the cutting board and skillet over the sliced turkey. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a non-alcoholic version, substitute bourbon with apple cider or apple juice. The glaze can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the refrigerator. If the glaze starts to darken too quickly during roasting, tent the turkey loosely with foil. Resting the turkey for at least 10 minutes is essential for juicy meat.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown sugar bourbon glazed turkey breast, easy turkey breast recipe, holiday turkey breast, small batch turkey, glazed turkey breast

Find it online: https://lolaspoon.com/cozy-brown-sugar-bourbon-glazed-turkey-breast-easy-and-best-holiday-recipe/